Indian Man Who Bought $20K Gold Shirt Reportedly Murdered by Gang

Datta Phuge, the Indian man who bought a $20,000 gold shirt, was reportedly murdered by a gang.

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Datta Phuge, who rose to fame in 2013 when he spent $20,000 producing a custom-made gold shirt that weighed a whopping 6 pounds, has been beaten to death by a gang, according to Times of India.

There are differing accounts of Phuge's murder, but most reported that he was bludgeoned to death by a group using a sickle and large stones. Times of India said four men, including a relative, were behind the attack. However, according to BBC, there were up to 12 men involved in the murder. The motive for the murder involved a financial dispute, and BBC reported that Phuge was in the money-lending business. Times of India added that Phuge was involved in a fight almost two weeks before his murder. Phuge's son witnessed the murder but was spared by the gang, police reportedly said. 

Some people ask me why I'm wearing so much gold but it was my dream.

Not only did Phuge own the extremely expensive gold shirt, but he also enjoyed wearing gold all over his body in the form of bracelets, necklaces, and rings.

"Some people ask me why I'm wearing so much gold but it was my dream," he told BBC in 2013. "People have different aspirations. Some elite people want to own an Audi or Mercedes, and have big cars. I chose gold." 

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